With bits and pieces of aggressive punk rock, fuzzy shoegaze, frenetic, skittering electronica and even hints of down-tempo trip-hop, the band’s music managed to be catchy while maintaining a cool, disaffected edge, thanks in part to frontwoman Manson’s solemn, intense delivery. As she sang, Manson stared down the crowd with a gaze as smoldering as the fiery red hair she wore in two Princess Leia cones atop her head, and even when not singing, Manson was just as commanding: deliberately pacing the stage, circling her microphone stand like an eagle honing in on its prey and then pouncing at just the right moment to deliver another verse. When the band finally took a short pause, the crowd erupted with a lengthy round of applause. “Wow,” exclaimed Manson, “I guess it’s a stupid question, but … have you missed me?”

To say those in attendance had missed Manson and the band was certainly an understatement, and last night’s performance served as a reminder that the group’s unique style and sound have gone unmatched in the musical scene during their hiatus. As an additional treat, Garbage didn’t shy away from back-catalog hits, performing renditions of “I Think I’m Paranoid,”“#1 Crush,”“Push It” and “Only Happy When It Rains,” which Manson and Co. milked for full dramatic effect, starting off at half-speed, before creating a slow, dramatic build that kicked into gear as Manson crooned the iconic line, “Pour your misery down on me,” echoed twofold by the enthusiastic voices singing along in the crowd. Although Garbage has been missed, last night was a warm welcome back. —Alena Kastin